Newcastle United faced a storm of backlash after losing to Aston Villa. Boos echoed around St James’ Park as social media ran riot.
For the first time in almost five years, the dreaded R word - relegation - came to the fore as genuine concern seeped into the fan base. The dust has now settled. Calmness - do a degree - has been restored. The Magpies travel to Selhurst Park this weekend - a ground they have not won at since 2020.
Matthias Jaissle’s system attracted criticism following defeats to Coventry City and Aston Villa. While wedded to his Red Bull principles, the German may need to play with the hand he has been dealt at St James’ Park.
Those losses exposed deficiencies in the Newcastle squad that he must correct. With the transfer window closed until January, it is up to Jaissle to find a cure to United’s frailties in defence and up front.
NewcastleWorld has profiled a team that the Toon boss could deploy against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The 4-2-3-1 system has gone, with a return to the 4-3-3 setup aimed at activating the muscle memory from previous campaigns.
Jaissle could be boosted by the return of key players who started brightly in 2026-27 before suffering injury setbacks. Take a look at our new-look XI as the Magpies bid to get back on track in the capital this weekend.
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1. GK - Lukas Hornicek
Hornicek keeps his place between the sticks. He made two fine saves against Aston Villa last weekend but will be unhappy to have conceded the goal. With Ewen Jaouen injured and Nick Pope pushed to one side, the Czech international is the safe option between the sticks. | Getty Images
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2. RB - Amar Dedic
The 24-year-old started the season brightly before suffering a hamstring injury. It is understood that Dedic is inching towards full fitness and could return to the starting line-up this weekend. Jaissle signed the right-back as one of his most trusted lieutenants and his return would be a major boost. | Getty Images
3. CB - Malick Thiaw
Someone who can count himself lucky after an unconvincing performance against Aston Villa. But as a right-footed option, Thiaw makes more sense to partner Burn. But that is not to suggest anyone who favours a Fabian Schar return is wrong. | Getty Images
4. CB - Dan Burn
The leader of this team and someone who offers more of a physical presence than Sven Botman. Jaissle’s side have looked shaky at the back and now is the time to play Burn from the start. The skipper told NewcastleWorld almost a fortnight ago that he is waiting patiently for his opportunity. | Getty Images